The Orchard Book of Vikings
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
The fiery world of the Vikings is filled with amazing adventures and acts of courage. Battles with mighty giants, demons and dwarves abound and superhuman gods - Thor, Odin and many more - leap from the pages. These retellings will fire every child's imagination. All the drama, magic and mystery of Robert Swindells' stories are captured in Peter Utton's illustrations, which bring the world of the Vikings so vividly to life. Suitable for National Curriculum Key Stage 2-3, a collection of magical stories about the gods, giants and dwarves of Norse mythology. Illustrated in colour by Peter Utton.
Age
9-12
Length
93 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like to live as a Viking?
How do the Vikings in the story show bravery and teamwork?
Can you imagine how the characters felt during their adventures?
What have you learned about Viking culture and mythology from this book?
If you were a character in the book, what role would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the adventurous tales to life, enhancing the excitement in the story.
Connect the story to a current event or personal experience to make the content more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, deepening their connection and understanding of the story.
After reading, visit a museum or look up artifacts online to visualize the Viking era, linking the story to real-world history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The book portrays the Vikings' daring adventures, showcasing their fearlessness in facing new lands and obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by facing their fears, whether trying out for a school play, a new sport, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The stories introduce children to Norse mythology and Viking culture, highlighting their traditions and ways of life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect cultures different from their own, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The Vikings' success often relied on their ability to work together, whether in navigating their ships or in battles.
Real-World Application: This can be translated to the importance of teamwork in group projects at school or collaborating with siblings and friends during play.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The book illustrates the Vikings' resilience as they overcome numerous challenges during their expeditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through difficulties, be it solving a tough math problem or improving in a skill they find challenging.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The Viking explorers were curious about the world, which led to their remarkable travels and discoveries.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore new topics, ask questions, and engage in learning opportunities around them, fostering a lifelong love for discovery.